1989 Jaguar XJS vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Jaguar XJS would be higher. At 5,343 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Jaguar XJS (291 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (166 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 598 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1989 Jaguar XJS (440 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Jaguar XJS | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Jaguar | Mazda |
| Model | XJS | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5343 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 48 L |
